Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 88 is one of the most profound expressions of despair found in the Book of Psalms. Written by Heman the Ezrahite, it is a poignant lament that captures the depths of human suffering and the feeling of abandonment by God. The psalmist begins by crying out to God, acknowledging Him as the source of salvation and pleading for His attention. The repeated cries for help demonstrate a sense of urgency and desperation, with the psalmist feeling overwhelmed by troubles that weigh heavily on his soul. He describes his existence as being close to Sheol, the realm of the dead, comparing himself to those who have been cut off from God’s grace. Throughout the psalm, the imagery of darkness, drowning, and isolation pervades the text, illustrating a profound sense of hopelessness. The psalmist feels as if God has placed him in a deep pit, with His wrath pressing down like waves. Despite this dire situation, the psalmist continues to call upon God, wrestling with the questions of divine love and faithfulness in the face of death. The stark honesty of the psalmist's feelings is striking, as he wonders if God’s wonders and love are only for the living, elevating the theme of isolation to new heights. The psalm concludes without a resolution or declaration of hope, leaving the reader in a state of contemplation about the nature of suffering. Unlike many other psalms that move from lament to praise, Psalm 88 ends on a note of unresolved darkness, emphasizing the reality that sometimes pain and despair do not lead to immediate relief or understanding. This makes it a unique contribution to the Psalter, reminding readers that it is acceptable to bring feelings of anguish and abandonment to God, and that faith can exist even in the midst of suffering.